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Elaine Irwin

Elaine Irwin: American Model

Elaine Irwin was once the face of Almay Cosmetics and Ralph Lauren, appearing on numerous fashion magazine covers such as Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Self, and Elite. Additionally, she walked Victoria’s Secret runway shows and Calvin Klein runway shows; photographers Herb Ritts, Irving Penn, and Steven Meisel often used her as a model.

Elaine Irwin’s Biography

Elaine Irwin is an American model who began modeling at 16 and left home to become one of Seventeen magazine’s cover models; Almay Cosmetics and Ralph Lauren both became regular clients as top clients of hers. Irwin appeared in music videos from New Order’s 1989 song, “Round and Round”, off their album Technique.

At 16 she began modeling professionally; soon thereafter appearing in New Order’s Round and Round video starring Irwin in their video as well. Irwin eventually became a top model for Almay Cosmetics and Ralph Lauren amongst many companies such as Almay Cosmetics and Ralph Lauren among many more clients than most others – her photo notably appeared as part of their album Technique release of that same year.

Irwin began modeling at age 16, leaving Gilbertsville Pennsylvania behind to pursue her modeling career which eventually lead her into being featured in Seventeen magazine as she became the top model for both Almay Cosmetics and Ralph Lauren amongst many companies (such as Almay Cosmetics and Ralph Lauren amongst many more!). She became part of Ralph Lauren and Almay Cosmetics while Ralph Lauren was among many more companies as top models!

Elaine Irwin has also appeared in commercials and advertisements. With an estimated net worth of $5 Million, Elaine is an esteemed model known for advocating HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns while working closely with several charities like Operation USA and United Nations World Food Programme.

Irwin was born August 26th, 1969 in Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania to unidentified parents and was raised Roman Catholic. As an American citizen, she has had no other identifying information available to her regarding parents or siblings; she hails from white ethnicity and was the first female pace car driver for the Indianapolis 500 in 2001 as well as appearing at the Democratic National Convention events.

After 18 years of marriage to musician John Mellencamp, they separated in December 2010 and have two sons named Hud and Speck. Following her move to Los Angeles after this departure, Irwin started dating Indy car team owner Jay Penske nine years her junior. They married in 2012 and welcomed daughter Ameerah into their lives the following year.

Irwin is currently working on writing a book about her experiences within the modeling industry as she remains signed to IMG Models New York/Los Angeles with ongoing projects such as portraits of models living with mental illnesses that she hopes will be released upon completion of the publication of her book due in 2022.

Elaine Irwin’s Net Worth

Elaine Irwin is an American model who has appeared in advertisements and commercials worldwide. She is best known for modeling for well-known fashion labels Victoria’s Secret and Calvin Klein as well as working with photographers Herb Ritts, Irving Penn, and Steven Meisel. Additionally, Irwin currently resides with her husband Jay Penske, and their daughter in California with an estimated net worth between $1 and $5 Million.

Born August 26th, 1969 in Gilbertsville Pennsylvania, she left home at 16 to pursue modeling. Soon thereafter she was discovered by photographer Paul Pelak and Margaret. Soon thereafter she began appearing on magazine covers such as Seventeen and Cosmopolitan and even featured in their 1989 music video for Round and Round from their album Technique.

She continued her modeling career by appearing on several magazine covers and commercials for Ford, eventually becoming one of their top models. Additionally, she appeared in films and television shows; Victoria’s Secret fashion shows; Calvin Klein fashion shows, and even part of an editorial for American Beauty Vogue were some of her prestigious credentials that made her one of Ford’s top models – her natural beauty made her an excellent candidate for various ad campaigns!

Irwin has been married twice. On September 5, 1992, she wed musician John Mellencamp; however, their marriage ended in divorce on December 30, 2010. Later she wed media mogul Jay Penske in 2012. They welcomed a daughter together who was born in May 2013.

Irwin stands 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 55 kilograms, respectively. A Virgo by sign, Irwin maintains her body by eating right and exercising regularly to stay in good shape – giving birth to beautiful smiles with luxurious blonde locks adorning every feature of her body. In her free time, she enjoys spending her free time exploring Los Angeles alongside her husband and daughter as well as being an animal enthusiast – especially fond of dogs!

Elaine Irwin’s Marriage

Model, who once represented Almay cosmetics and Ralph Lauren, Irwin has two children with rocker John Mellencamp whom she met while filming the video for “Get A Leg Up.” They married the following year at a cabin near Seymour, Indiana – it being Mellencamp’s third marriage and Irwin’s first.

They eventually settled in the heartland where Irwin began her professional life as a photographer and art director as well as running her modeling agency. Irwin was featured in numerous fashion magazines like Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Self; her natural beauty graced photos taken by Herb Ritts and Steven Meisel respectively – she even modeled for luxury brands such as Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret!

Irwin was renowned for her personable yet sensuous style. As one of America’s top models, she amassed millions in earnings – according to Forbes, she was worth $27 Million as of 2016. Irwin owned several assets such as her home and collection of antiques; plus several vehicles such as an Escalade and Mustang GT among her assets.

Recently, she was seen out and about with businessman Jay Penske, son of racing mogul Roger Penske who owns media companies such as Deadline, Variety, and Hollywood Life. It has been reported that they are engaged.

Rumors regarding their impending divorce continue to swirl; however, neither Irwin nor Penske has issued any statements publicly on this topic. Irwin’s fans remain hopeful that their couple will stay together long-term.

Elaine Irwin was born August 26th, 1969 in Gilbertsville Pennsylvania with the zodiac sign Virgo and now stands 53. Her accomplishments are numerous; former models for Almay and Ralph Lauren who dropped out of high school at 16 to pursue their careers; an all-natural beauty who has graced runways for numerous luxury brands including Victoria’s Secret; numerous music videos as well as being featured on many fashion magazine covers are just some.

Elaine Irwin’s Personal Life

Elaine Irwin is an established model who has graced top modeling runways. She has worked with notable brands including Ralph Lauren and Almay Cosmetics. Born August 26th, 1969 in Gilbertsville Pennsylvania to American parents she stands an average height of 5 feet 11 inches with blonde hair and blue eyes; unfortunately, her family background and siblings remain unknown to the public.

At 16 years old, she set off from home to pursue her dreams of modeling. Paul Pelak and Margaret, his wife, discovered Irwin who then appeared in Seventeen magazine as well as working with Herb Ritts and Irving Penn to become one of the premier models in the industry. Richard Avedon established Irwin as one of his premier models during their American Beauty Vogue shoot which established her as one of their finest models.

She was also heavily involved with the music industry, modeling for John Mellencamp. They became married after an intense courtship period in 1992 and shared two sons named Hud and Speck; however, upon their separation in 2011, Irwin took back her maiden name and changed it back.

Elaine was an avid collector of antiques and loved her plants. She belonged to Foothill Gardeners of Fort Collins as well as Questers (an international antique study group). Additionally, Elaine collected “blue Christmas plates”, kerosene lamps, and various items; giving programs about her collections.

As of this moment, there is no information regarding her current partner and children; however, she was in a relationship with racecar team owner Jay Penske for some time; both men are 45 while Irwin is 53; although no longer romantically involved they had been together for over 10 years before parting ways in January 2012.


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Following the fashion trends and celebrities across the globe. I love writing about inspirational figures in entertainment industry. Apart from blogging over 10 years, I work as an event host in California. Feel free to reach out for any questions. Looking forward to hearing from you!

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